To be eligible for admission to the MS Counseling program, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 in the last 45 quarter (30 semester) credits from a regionally-accredited institution and meet all other requirements outlined inthe University Catalog. In addition, applicants must provide evidence of academic competence, professional comportment, and mature judgment. Individuals whose undergraduate degree is in still progress may be accepted pending satisfactory completion prior to beginning the master’s degree program. Those whose undergraduate GPAs are slightly below 3.0 may want to consider applying for the Family Counseling Certificate as a gateway into the MS Counseling after achieving a GPA or 3.0 or higher in the first 12 quarter credits. Applicants with an undergraduate degree offered in a language other than English must provide TOEFL scores in accordance with university policy.

Application Deadlines

Applicants may apply to begin the MS Counseling program full time or part time in autumn, winter, and spring quarters. Application deadlines vary according to the academic calendar and are posted. Applicants should plan on the process taking a minimum of two to three months.

Online Application Process

Applications for admission are completed, paid for, and submitted online. Applicants are asked to provide current and permanent contact information, academic history, names of three recommenders, and a description of their rationale choosing to enroll in the MS Counseling program at Loma Linda University. For additional information and a link to the online application go to http://www.llu.edu/behavioral-health/admissions.page

Three Letters of Recommendation

On the application form, individuals are asked to list the names, professional positions and e-mail addresses of three individuals who can recommend them for the MS Counseling program. At least two of the recommenders should be current or former professors who know the applicant’s academic history, and one of the recommenders can be a current or former employer or supervisor. Recommendations from friends, relatives, or co-workers are not acceptable. When the application is submitted each of these individuals will receive e-mail with a link to access the recommendation form, which is to be completed and submitted online.

Official Transcripts

It is the applicant’s responsibility to contact all colleges and universities attended since graduating high school and request that sealed, official transcripts be sent directly from the institution to the following address: Admissions Processing, Loma Linda University (School Code 4062), Loma Linda, CA 92350.

Faculty-Applicant Interview

After three recommendations and all official transcripts are received, qualified applicants will be invited to an on-campus or phone conference interview with faculty. Following that interview, faculty make a recommendation to the dean regarding acceptance.

Notification of Admissions Decision

Applicants will be notified of the admissions decision within two to three weeks following the interview.